Des Plaines getting back to normal after flooding

If schools and roads are the backbone of a community, Des Plaines seemed to be on the path to recovery today.

The last street closed to flooding, Golf Road, re-opened this morning, and so did elementary schools in District 62, which had been closed on Monday and Tuesday. High schools had re-opened on Tuesday.

"We're doing better," said city spokeswoman Karen Kozenczak.

At 10:45 a.m., the Des Plaines River was still above the 5-foot flood stage, but had receded to about 5.85 feet. Officials expected it to fall below flood stage sometime this evening.

About 2,500 structures in Des Plaines have been affected by the floods that came with torrential rain over the weekend, according to Tim Angell, deputy director of community and economic development.

City inspectors have examined most of them, but none have been declared uninhabitable, Angel said.

"A lot of our residents are back in their homes, doing clean up now," Angell said.

He suggested that people call their insurance companies before they call a contractor. And he warned that before hiring a contractor, they should get references, ask for proof of liability insurance, and be sure the contractor is bonded.

The Salvation Army will be providing clean up kits and food at the following locations:

Today: Christ Church, at the corner of Cora Street and Henry Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.